AAW Division 1
This game was that classic game that needed a goal to get the contest started. This occurred in the 27th minute when Balgownie failed to adequately clear a ball and Jelena Radic was able to pounce to put the ball into the back of the net.
The game opened up after this with Balgownie pressing forward searching for an equaliser until late in the half the Fairy Meadow GK received a knock to the head that resulted in an extended injury break. This injury required Fairy Meadow to reshuffle their playing roster and place a backup Goalkeeper in the 2nd half.
A true Grand Final battle then evolved in the 2nd half. The game took another twist when the Fairy Meadow Goalkeeper was able to return to the game making some definitive saves. The game had a full stop put on it in the 78th minute when Balgownie again struggled to clear a defensive corner and were punished with a clinical finish from the penalty spot by Kate Hughes. Balgownie tried to find a way back into the fixture but Fairy Meadow was able to keep then silent to take a 2-0 Grand Final victory.
AAW Division 2
Fernhill were chasing their 2nd Grand Final victory of the day. The game had a long settling in period with both teams feeling each other out, with a number of half chances created.
Halfway through the 1st stanza a piece of well-constructed Shellharbour team play unlocked the Fernhill defence with a decisive pass the onto the penalty spot that enabled Amy Woods to slot it passed the keeper for the game’s opening goal.
Towards the backend of the first half Fernhill were starting to produce quality balls in behind the Shellharbour defence but were unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage, resulting in the score 1-0 to Shellharbour at half time
The second half started like the first with neither team being able to create any dominance. As the half wore on Shellharbour became more and more resolute in the defence of their lead until an 89th minute strike on goal by Fernhill’s Emily Sharman found the back of the net to equal the score and take the game into extra time
The intensity and emotion rose another gear during the extra time period. With both teams striving for the winner. The tension was made ever more present when the Shellharbour Goalkeeper had to be replaced, and Georgia Wilson put her hand up for the team to become the backup keeper at short notice. She didn’t put a foot wrong making a few important saves and clearing the ball from her penalty box on a number of occasions. The heat started to take its toll with multiple players succumbing to cramp and the game eventually limped to penalties. In the shoot-out Shellharbour took an early 2-0 advantage with back up Keeper Wilson saving the first 2 penalties. Shellharbour then missed their 3rd penalty and Fernhill took the advantage by converting their 3rd penalty to take the score to 2-1. The shoot out then went successful shot for shot. With Shellharbour securing a Grand Final victory with 4-3 penalties win.
AAW Division 3
This game probably had the largest crowd of the day and the most vocal creating a colourful grand Final atmosphere. The game started in true Grand Final fashion with both teams finding their way into the game and both sets of supporters creating a vocal Grand Final atmosphere.
Fernhill went ahead in the 20th minute in what could be best described as a goal line scramble with the assistant referee ruling Jade Thompson’s kick at the goal had crossed the line.
The even nature of the contest was evident until a through ball in the 74th minute from the middle of the park split the Coledale defence down the middle allowing Jade Thompson to collect the ball to be one on one with the keeper. Slotting it past the keeper to collect her Grand Final brace. From this point on it was Fernhill on top. They clinched the deal in the 88th minute with a long-range free kick strike by Tameeka Dubowec that slipped by the keeper to find the back of the net. Fernhill coming away deserved winners 3-0.
Over 30’s Division 1
Oak Flats Kraken (2) vs Albion Park White Eagles (1)
In a showcase of the quality and enthusiasm of our O30’s competition this game exceeded expectations.
APWE were rocked early in the game with a deflected goal from a corner awarded to Belinda Mullholland in the 4th minute. OFK were unlucky to score again in the 13th minute with a free kick sailing to the left of goal. As the game progressed a strong breeze developed behind the White Eagles and they were able to equalise through Linda Hillard in the 24th minute.
OFK looked to have scored in the 30th minute however the APWE pulled off a miraculous clearance off the line.
Heading into the sheds at half time, it was the OFK goal keeper who was the difference between the sides pulling off a number of valuable saves.
OFK had the benefit of the breeze in second half and despite having most of the opportunities to break the deadlock, were unable to do so until the 89th minute when a penalty was awarded and Jessikah Watson made no mistake taking her team to a 2-1 victory.
O30 Div 2
Thirroul (2) JFC s Jamberoo (0)
In a very entertaining game Thirroul took an early lead with a goal to Lisa Perry in the 6th minute. The game progressed Thirroul’s centre back (8) was instrumental was instrumental in marshalling the defence and repelling Jamberoo’s attacks lead by their very speedy (5) who was nearly rewarded with a headed goal in the 35th minute. Meanwhile Thirroul’s (5) was also looking dangerous at the other end.
As the game then settled into a period where each team enjoyed periods of ascendency.
With full time looming and after a period of sustained pressure on the Thirroul goal, Jamberoo were caught out by a quick break which saw their defence outnumbered which Rori Weston took full advantage, scoring in the 89th minute.
